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Looks like I may be joining the SULEV club....although with a slight bit of hesitance. Been looking at E46 vehicles, specifically 02+ to use as a DD and threw down a deposit on an AW over Natural Brown interior after looking for about 2 months now. Looked at several E46s within my budget and all were beat or had the kind of history you don't want to see. The hesitant part is knowing there is a good chance at some point I'll have to swap out the tank for a low mileage used unit but since I do all the maintenance on my cars its not really a big deal. I figure I'll just find a tank and buy it to have on hand just in case. On the flip side, very excited as the color combination and overall condition of the car is really good. Hope to have it in my garage mid week and will share pics. Mods list has already started but I still need to finish my E60 M5 before I go down that road.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCaLe39

Some pics of the recent purchase...

Nice! Welcome I love the interior color with the Alpine exterior. Looks very classy.

As far as the gas tank, there's unconfirmed info on an M3 tank and pump swap. M3s run the same fuel pressure as we do. It would be a matter of finding out how the plumbing, connectors, and then also figuring out how to put a fuel filter in the line.

I have an 03' 325i SULEV. I've noticed a drop in MPG, shuddering when going up hills, taking longer to start after sitting for more than a couple of hours and the gas pumps shut down on me a lot way before the tank is full. I've even had it stall out on me 3 times with aggressive takeoffs right after filling the tank up. I'm thinking the issue is a failing fuel pump. I plan on taking I in to have it diagnosed. The only performance mod I have is a huge K&N air filter. I took out the whole OEM air box to get it to fit. I no longer have the air box. Do I need to buy a new one before I bring it in? Would they really deny a fuel tank claim because of an air filter? Got an SEL light yesterday for both pre cat o2 sensors.

I have an 03' 325i SULEV. I've noticed a drop in MPG, shuddering when going up hills, taking longer to start after sitting for more than a couple of hours and the gas pumps shut down on me a lot way before the tank is full. I've even had it stall out on me 3 times with aggressive takeoffs right after filling the tank up. I'm thinking the issue is a failing fuel pump. I plan on taking I in to have it diagnosed. The only performance mod I have is a huge K&N air filter. I took out the whole OEM air box to get it to fit. I no longer have the air box. Do I need to buy a new one before I bring it in? Would they really deny a fuel tank claim because of an air filter? Got an SEL light yesterday for both pre cat o2 sensors.

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If you had stalling, there should be more codes than a pre-cat O2. With that said, it sounds like its probably a fuel pump. What's your mileage?

With regards to the air filter, I honestly don't know what they would say.

In talks with Crevier BMW about getting the gas tank warrantied. I buy a lot of parts from them and built a relationship with many of the guys over there. Only thing I've noticed is an occasional slow start. Going out on a limb and keeping fingers crossed this will be enough for them to do some warranty work. Setting up appt in two weeks.

I've got an appointment this coming Wed. to have the fuel pump and gas tank diagnosed. Replaced the o2 sensors today just to be sure they can't blame them for my cars symptoms. If any one has had luck getting a fuel tank replaced I would appreciate some help. Maybe I could get a copy of the paperwork you got from the dealer stating it is covered under the extended SULEV warranty after they did the work. I'm in Reno and haven't dealt with this BMW dealer much , don't know what to expect.

I just left Reno BMW and paid $150 for them to tell me my carbon filter is plugged causing my fuel issues. I asked if that is considered emissions related and they said yes. I show them the extended warranty and they say since it's not registered in California it's not under the warranty any longer. I say BS it says retailed, leased or registered in one of the applicable states. Mine was bought in Ca.

I've got an appointment this coming Wed. to have the fuel pump and gas tank diagnosed. Replaced the o2 sensors today just to be sure they can't blame them for my cars symptoms. If any one has had luck getting a fuel tank replaced I would appreciate some help. Maybe I could get a copy of the paperwork you got from the dealer stating it is covered under the extended SULEV warranty after they did the work. I'm in Reno and haven't dealt with this BMW dealer much , don't know what to expect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDrCr

I just left Reno BMW and paid $150 for them to tell me my carbon filter is plugged causing my fuel issues. I asked if that is considered emissions related and they said yes. I show them the extended warranty and they say since it's not registered in California it's not under the warranty any longer. I say BS it says retailed, leased or registered in one of the applicable states. Mine was bought in Ca.

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I had the same filter replaced - it's a charcoal filter that filters out the hydrocarbons. It was roughly a $700 repair.

You have a few options - you can contact BMWNA and see what they have to say. I've heard mixed results from this, but it would be worth a shot, or you could disconnect the filter all together. It is located at the back of the car on the passenger side behind a plastic panel; it takes up the same space as the rear muffler, just on the opposite side of the spare tire well.

I'm not sure of what side effects could occur with disconnecting the filter - the dealership disconnected mine during diagnosis of my fuel filling problem, drove it to the gas station, and back to the dealership.

I wonder how the M54 and S54 vent their tanks. I'll check into it and see if there's another option.

Thanks for the help. The service manager at BMW is emailing BMWNA for me. He wants to get it covered too. They're being super helpful now. I also found the hose on eBay for $89. I need to get it covered or I'm selling the car. I'm not risking an $8000 gas tank if the fuel filter or pump fail.

Thanks for the help. The service manager at BMW is emailing BMWNA for me. He wants to get it covered too. They're being super helpful now. I also found the hose on eBay for $89. I need to get it covered or I'm selling the car. I'm not risking an $8000 gas tank if the fuel filter or pump fail.

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Just to clarify, this is a separate part from the tank/pump. It is a cylindrical canister filter. They plug up, either with liquid gasoline or with debris, and it causes an airlock within the tank that causes issues with filling and with pumping.

I'm just thinking ahead. If this isn't covered my fuel pump and filter won't be either and my car will be worthless because a $100 part will actually cost $8k to fix. Fingers crossed. I love my car. I'd hate to have to give her up.

2003 325ci SULEV. I appreciate the info provided from this thread, but wish I had read more about SULEV before I bought it. Like most of you, I love my car, but I have 145k, so it's going to be sold in the next year. Does anyone think it is unethical to sell the SULEV without informing the purchaser about the issues related to the SULEV fuel pump replacement? Mine is damn near perfect with natural brown interior and runs like a striped ass ape. (not sure what that means, but an old friend of mine use to always say that)

2003 325ci SULEV. I appreciate the info provided from this thread, but wish I had read more about SULEV before I bought it. Like most of you, I love my car, but I have 145k, so it's going to be sold in the next year. Does anyone think it is unethical to sell the SULEV without informing the purchaser about the issues related to the SULEV fuel pump replacement? Mine is damn near perfect with natural brown interior and runs like a striped ass ape. (not sure what that means, but an old friend of mine use to always say that)

If your a christian yes it is unethical. If you dont believe in god any ethics you do have is meaningless anyway so dont mention it.

My old acura that I sold, I told the guy everything that was wrong. How it was hit in the rear and there is subframe damage, even though I tried to fix it.

Just to clarify, this is a separate part from the tank/pump. It is a cylindrical canister filter. They plug up, either with liquid gasoline or with debris, and it causes an airlock within the tank that causes issues with filling and with pumping.

I have the same issue, dealer refused to warranty mine, saying the person before tried to modify it, I guess to try and fix the problem.

I have to double check my letter tomorrow, and mail it to bmw telling them im going to persue legal action and call every news channel in NYC, "help me howard" please help me lol.

I love your guys interiors, compared to my crappy beige with just a black dash. Not to mention the door handles are beige also, and they turn black from the dirt, from touching them lol. Not to mention my headliner in some spots is peeling off.